With the increasing desire of consumers to buy a car, few people consider the need for regular maintenance on a car. Modern cars can have up to 75,000 parts, and a malfunction in one part can cause the whole car to crash. Keeping your car in good condition will help keep you safe while driving, extend the life of the car and increase its future resale value.
Step
Step 1. Build a simple plan
We can use an acronym to remember your car maintenance plan, namely BOJRIC: Tires, Oil, Window, Brakes, Interior and Fluids. Use the user manual to create a car maintenance schedule.
Step 2. Treat the tires
Make sure you fill the tires properly to the pressure specified by the manufacturer. Tire meters can be purchased cheaply and are easy to use. Tires should be replaced when signs of wear and tear appear in the grooves. Ask the tire repair/shop staff if you don't know how to assess tire wear. Check tire pressure daily and check for wear and damage weekly. Replace tires whose wear is beyond reasonable limits.
Step 3. Monitor the car oil
Oil is the blood of your car, and without it, the car will not be able to go far and quiet. Ask the mechanic to show you how to check the car's oil properly, and change the oil every 5,000 km. Although oil manufacturers claim their products can last up to 15,000 km, usually the same oil is not used for more than 7,500 km to maximize engine reliability and efficiency in the long run. Check the oil regularly, about once a week and change the oil when it reaches the 6,000 km limit
Step 4. Check the window
Make sure all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and undamaged. Replace all damaged lamps and mirrors as soon as possible. Take a car with a cracked windshield to a repair shop to see if the windshield can be repaired or should be replaced. Check for cracks and damage to the windshield on a regular basis.
Leave enough room if you are trailing behind other vehicles that might throw objects onto the road or drop items from their cargo. Even small pebbles from the tailgate can damage the windshield of a car
Step 5. Make sure the brakes, belt and battery are in good condition
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Modern car brake systems are designed to be replaced periodically to maintain maximum braking efficiency. If you find a problem with the brakes, take the car to a repair shop immediately for inspection. If your car's brakes fail, you could have a serious accident.
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Check the belt or have it checked for wear and tightness. A loose belt will make a loud squealing sound; have your belt checked immediately if you hear this sound.
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Check for corrosion on the battery once a month and clean if necessary. Try not to empty the battery, if possible. Even with jump start, the battery will still be overburdened. Batteries will eventually age. If the battery needs to be replaced, also check the alternator to make sure it is still functioning properly.
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Step 6. Clean the interior
Clean and vacuum the interior as needed. The interior of the car often determines the price of the car if it is to be sold or bartered. While buyers usually don't care about oil and tires, if their CD player doesn't work or the interior looks dirty, they'll be reluctant to buy your car. It is common knowledge that the selling point of a car lies in its cabin. If you want to barter or sell your car, clean the interior of the car regularly to maintain its appearance!
Step 7. Check the car fluid
Another "blood" from your car is the fluid that must be readily available in the car. Coolant, power steering, transmission, windshield cleaner, and other fluids need to be checked at least once a week. Have a mechanic show you how to check all these fluids.
Step 8. Make sure the lamp is working properly
You can check your car's headlights if you can park your car in a place with large mirrors, or ask friends/family to help you surround the car while you turn on the various lights in the car. Make sure you check the car's headlights, rear, reverse, brakes and turn signal.
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Pay attention to the direction the headlights point and correct as needed. Lights should point down and out of the way, not straight, up, or towards the middle. You can see the pattern of lights on the road in front of you. The wrong direction of the headlights will disturb and endanger the driver in front of or facing your car. If it's too low, your visibility is too small when driving at night.
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Step 9. Take care of the windshield wipers
Windshield wipers can be replaced easily. Just replace the blades once a year before the rainy season. You can also replace the entire set of wipers if needed. If you are going to be driving a lot in rainy conditions, you can also rub a water-repellent product on the windshield of the car.
Step 10. Monitor the emission control system
Depending on where you live, your car's emissions may need to be checked periodically. This inspection is usually part of the MOT inspection. Usually, the diagnosis should be done by a professional. The disturbance is usually caused by the oxygen sensor and EGR valve..
Tips
- It's a good idea to keep a fluid-checking cloth, tire pressure gauge, and a flashlight in the trunk (or whatever container you have in your car) for use during maintenance.
- Monitor the mileage and power consumption of the car's fuel. Not only will you learn to save fuel and drive smarter, but you'll also quickly notice problems with your car's fuel efficiency. Wasting as much as 1 km per liter can indicate a problem. Also monitor your car's mileage for oil changes.
- Read the car's user manual. This book has a variety of information specific to your car.
- Adhere to all manufacturer-recommended minimum maintenance intervals.
- If there is something else or strange in your car, you should immediately have it checked at a repair shop. Unusual smells or sounds, dashboard lights that have never been on before, anything that needs to be checked, do it right away. As a driver, it's your responsibility to take good care of your car to keep you and your fellow road users safe.
- Keep a good relationship with the mechanics and ask questions! Workshop mechanics are used to being asked by car owners so they are proficient in answering them properly. If the mechanic doesn't want to answer your question, ask if he or she can take care of your car so that it can be driven on the freeway at 105 km/h.
Warning
- Use only manufacturer-approved fluids.
- Do not overfill the tires.
- Follow all precautions when checking car fluids.
- Never open a car's cooling system while it's still hot.
